NBA Trade Deadline 2013: Atlanta Hawks Retain Star Forward Josh Smith

After weeks of speculation that Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith would be moved before Thursday’s trade deadline, the moment of truth came to pass, and Smith will remain with the team for the rest of the season.

According to sources, 3-team trade involving Bucks and Magic would also include Hawks, resulting in Josh Smith to Bucks.

Smith is slated to be a free agent after this season, and it’s unlikely he will choose to re-sign with the Hawks when that time comes. With a chance to get something in return, Atlanta took to the trade market, hoping to find a team in need of a quality scorer who would offer the Hawks enough in return to part with him.

The absence of a deal may have come down to a lack of quality offers for Smith. While he was arguably the biggest name on the market, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld suggests that suitors weren’t willing to give up what the Hawks wanted in return:

Steve Kyler @stevekylerNBA

It is getting ugly for Atlanta... teams smell blood in the water on Josh Smith and not willing to really offer much.

As it stands, Atlanta will move forward with Smith on the roster, at least until it comes time to face the inevitability of his departure on the free-agent market this summer.